State turning into tourist hotspot, says CM
173rd death anniversary of Maharaj Narasingh observed; litterers warned
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, April 11 2023: The 173rd death anniversary of Maharaja Narasingh was observed at the sacred Kangla, here, by offering floral tribute to the portrait of late king at his Manglen (tomb).

The observance function was organised by State Archaeology under the aegis of Art and Culture Department.

Chief Minister N Biren led others in paying floral tributes and offering tarpan at Nungjeng Pukhri, Kangla.

The CM also paid obeisance to the Shree Shree Govinda Jiu Jalakeli Pala led by Maharajkumari Hemamanjuri.

Addressing the gathering, Biren expressed satisfaction that the anniversary observance has become grander with participation of government officials and public.

He called upon the present generation to remember and honour the sacrifices made by the great forefathers while defending the freedom of the motherland.

Unfortunately, the present generation seems to forget the contribution of the forefathers while many youths are getting addicted to drugs and intoxicants in the name of modern Manipur, he said.

Acknowledging the heroic efforts of Maharaj Narasingh and Herachandra in driving the Burmese invades away and ending the Seven Years Devastation in 1826, the state government had installed their statues beside that of Maharaj Gambhir Singh at Canchipur.

Apart from this, a bigger statue of Maharaj Narasingh had also been installed in front of the Kangla Western Gate.

Installation of another statue of Maharaj Narasingh at Moreh near Ningthi River has been completed and would be inaugurated soon, he informed.

The CM stressed the need for upholding unity among different communities and said that the state government has set up traditional huts representing different indigenous tribes of Manipur at Sangai Ethnic Park, Moirang Khunou to showcase and promote the state's rich indigenous cultures.

Delegates of G20, who visited the state earlier this year, were surprised to see the beauty and diversity of the state's culture and tradition, he said.

Biren further maintained that the state is moving ahead towards development with considerable improvement in law-and-order situation.

Domestic and foreign tourists no longer feel insecure in visiting the state, which has become an attractive tourist destination because of the support of the public in maintaining peace.

As such, many events like G20, Tri-Nation Football Tournament and Grand Finale of Femina Miss India are being held in the state, he reasoned.

Taking the opportunity, Biren said that his government will take up strict legal actions against those dumping garbage into the rivers.

Recalling how he started cleaning Nambul River in 2004, the CM said that his party workers cleaned Nambul River ahead of the Femina Miss India Grand Finale with the objective to show a neat and clean Manipur.

He appealed to the public to refrain from dumping garbage into rivers and said that instruction has been given to the police department to arrest people, who throw garbage into rivers.

Mentioning that the habit of cleanliness is associated with the state's culture and tradition since time immemorial, he appealed to the public to maintain cleanliness outside their respective residences as well like they do in their houses.

He also informed the gathering that bottle banks have been installed at different places so that the public could drop used plastic bottles for safe disposal.

Concluding his speech, the CM reiterated that the people of the state have been able to live as a civilisation because of the selfless sacrifices and contribution made by the forefathers and called for respecting the forefathers while mentioning of the diamond jubilee celebration of the horse cart rode by England's Queen Elizabeth.

He also informed that the government will begin a mass tree plantation drive in the coming rainy season in various hill and valley areas of the state and sought support from the public in making the drive successful.

In his speech, RD & PR minister Yumnam Khemchand stressed, the importance of remembering and honouring the forefathers for their heroic campaign to drive the Burmese soldiers away during the period of Seven Years Devastation.

Maharaj Narsingh was one of the kings of Manipur, who played a significant role in saving the Manipuri civilisation from the atrocities of the Burmese soldiers, he added.

Highlighting the development and progress of the state under the leadership of chief minister N Biren, he maintained that the develop mental gap between the hills and valley region has been bridged by taking up various welfare initiatives.

Khemchand continued that the law-and-order situation of the state has also improved considerably, with prevalence of peace across the state and many tourists have started visiting the state in recent years.

Guard of honour, gun salute and sounding of last post by a contingent of 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles were other highlights of the event.

A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to Maharaj Narasingh.

Transport minister Kashim Vashum, Rajya Sabha MP and titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba, MLAs Thangjam Arunkumar, Thongam Shanti, Khuraijam Loken and Irengbam Nalini, DGP P Doungel and senior government officials of different departments were also present on the occasion.

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